"It’s clear from the open-plan building, the gardens, the sports facilities, and the state-of-the-art wards that this is a unique building. I’m delighted that the Youth Advisory Council were the first people to review the design.

Plans for the new national children's hospital, due to be build on the grounds of St James’s Hospital in Dublin.

"I know the project team is engaging in extensive consultation and engagement with all key groups but it’s the young people, the current and future users, who are central to the project. And I’m delighted to say that their response has been really positive.

“This is the largest health infrastructure project in the history of the State. But it’s only when you see a model or an artist’s impression that you realise just how much work has gone into the project, and I want to commend the Development Board for reaching this stage. We will all be really proud of this iconic Hospital when it’s built.”

Eilísh Hardiman, chief executive of the Children’s Hospital Group said: “Our design brief was deliberately challenging. It is critical that our ambitions from the outset are for the highest possible design standards as our children and young people deserve nothing less. I believe that the hospital design, together with that of the two satellite centres will support enhanced clinical outcomes for children and young people in Ireland. The needs of children and young people, their families and the teams of people who will work in paediatrics are been taken into account. We will continue to engage and consult with all key groups as we finalise all aspects of this great hospital providing services on a local, national and all-island basis.”

John Pollock,project director,said: “Today marks a significant milestone in the project. The external design is advancing and we are finalising the internal layout. We are currently engaged in continuous consultation with employees of the existing hospitals, with residents, with patient advocacy groups and with family representatives. They are giving us significant input, feedback and advice. We are well on the way to delivering on the vision of creating one of the finest children’s hospitals in the world and are delighted to share the image broadly today.”